Miami Beach is a city formed by a barrier island/sandbar located immediately east of the mainland of South Florida. The city was developed primarily during the middle of the twentieth century, and art deco architecture characterizes the city and especially its southern tip (South Beach). This three page paper examines the history, demographics, culture, and social responsibilities of the citizens of Miami Beach.
Miami Beach is an island city, formed on a former sand bar just east of the South Florida mainland. Its most current tourism slogan is "Miami Beach 25/7: The World's Playground," because it takes the extra hour to enjoy all the city has to offer (Official Website of the City of Miami Beach, 2012). The city of Miami Beach occupies the southernmost portion of a barrier island that stretches more than thirty miles up until Broward County. Wide and sandy Atlantic Beaches adorn the entire east coast of the island, and the west coast borders on Biscayne Bay. Average ocean temperature is 74 degrees Fahrenheit, average summer temperature is about 82 degrees and average winter temperature is about 67 degrees (Miami Beach 411, n.d.). Miami Beach is a highly desirable place to live and visit.
Miami Beach consists of three main zones: South Beach, central or middle Miami Beach, and North Beach (not to be confused with North Miami Beach, which is a separate city). Postal codes range from 33139 on South Beach to 33141 on North Beach. Property values vary considerably throughout these zones, with the biggest difference between South Beach and North Beach. South Beach homes average about $278.59 per square foot versus $173.16 per square foot for North Beach (Miami Beach 411, n.d.). Median value of owner-occupied units is relatively high compared with the rest of the state and even the entire country at $349,400 (United States Census Bureau, 2013). According to the United States Census Bureau (2013), median income on Miami Beach is $42,411.
Developed heavily during the 1950s, much of the architecture of South Miami Beach (South Beach) consists of characteristic art deco hotels and apartment buildings, for which the city is renowned. The bulk of the art deco architectural zone is concentrated on Ocean Drive between 1st and 15th streets, but there are art deco buildings scattered throughout the city.
Miami Beach was, and remains, a popular holiday resort destination. Northerners, primarily from New York, settled it during the 1950s and 1960s and marketed the city as a holiday resort due to its climate in the winter. A dip in the real estate market led to a lull in Miami Beach development during the 1970s and 1980s, when a revival in the city began. A proliferation of nightclubs and luxury resorts ensures a steady stream of tourism, especially outside of the summer months.
However, there are also about 90,000 residents of the city and nearly 70,000 housing units (United States Census Bureau, 2013). More than half (about 60%) of residents are renters and not homeowners; about 13% of the residences are holiday homes and 36% of residences are owner-occupied (Miami Beach 411, n.d.). Rate of homeownership in Miami Beach is about 40% (United States Census Bureau, 2013). There are several schools throughout Miami Beach including both public and private institutions.
Although the city is highly diverse in terms of race, ethnicity, language, religion, and socio-economic status, the large majority of residents classify themselves as "white," including Hispanics and Jews. More than half of Miami Beach is home to Hispanic residents, who own nearly 40% of local businesses too (United States Census Bureau, 2013). There is a plethora of houses of worship ranging from traditional Jewish orthodox sheols to Buddhist temples.
Miami Beach is and always has been a rapidly changing city. Businesses that were previously entrenched like the Jewish delicatessen on Collins Avenue called Wolfies no longer exist; whereas some businesses like gourmet grocer Epicure remain for decades. Residents shop mainly at one of several branches of the Publix chain of grocery stores, but there are some alternatives such as Whole Foods and Fresh Market. Lincoln Road is a pedestrianized shopping and entertainment zone with dozens of restaurants, cafes, and chain stores. Because of Miami Beach's amenable climate, all restaurants on Lincoln Road boast al fresco seating.
Primarily outside of summer months, a litany of festivals encourages residents and visitors to take part in cultural events. For example, the South Beach Food and Wine Festival attracts thousands of visitors. Miami Beach is allied with its neighboring City of Miami for events like Art Basel, a premium and world-class fine arts event that takes place each winter on the mainland. New events are continually being created and sustained by the community. Gay pride, art deco, Memorial Day weekend, Winter Music Conference, White Party, various boat shows, and other special events create a festive atmosphere in a city that is already known for its partying. It is not uncommon, nor illegal, for clubs to be open after hours.
You’re 87% through this paper. Sign up to read the full paper.
Sign Up Now — Instant Access Already a member? Log inAlways verify citation format against your institution’s current style guide requirements.